Guarding Tess (1994) User Reviews

Very touching and has some comedic moments

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 7/10 · 9 July 2006]

I have to admit, in some strange way, I enjoyed Guarding Tess very much. Despite it being predictable and they could have worked the comedy a little better, especially with Shirly, I think this was a decent little movie that anyone could enjoy. I think Shirly and Nicolas has very good chemistry. Nick also did a great performance for such a small movie, I felt for him so much in the end. You'll see what I mean on that part, I think we all could feel for him. It's just a nice movie that has some very heart touching moments, so I would recommend for a Saturday afternoon. I think you'll enjoy it.

7/10

Who's watching the lady?

[lib-4 · 7/10 · 22 January 1999]

This movie is a refeshing pause in Cage's over the top acting. He plays the foil for the ex first lady well- respectful but not cowering. this is a film about loyalty and duty and most of all about having compassion for someone who is lonely.

Can't we try to get along? Sophisticated humor.

[michaelRokeefe · 5/10 · 31 May 2000]

This is a well written comedy. Some of it is dry, but very potent. The former First Lady Tess Carlisle is played to perfection by Shirley MacLaine. She has her own reasons for picking Doug Chesnic (Nicolas Cage)to head up her Secret Service security detail. Chesnic is puzzled and reluctant, because the former First Lady is not one of his favorite people.

MacLaine and Cage played their parts like no one else could. The interaction was sometimes hilarious. And then came the tender and touching enlightenment. Sometimes well-to-do people get cranky just because they are lonely.

Rounding out the cast are Richard Griffiths, Edward Albert and David Graf. Hugh Wilson shares writing credits, as well as directing this enjoyable film. Give it a chance to grow on you.

The scene in the bar...

[Tarasicodissa · 23 November 2002]

SPOILER: Like the earlier poster, the key in it is the scene in the bar. Prior to it Tess's son came to see her on Christmas Day, only because his probably shady business partners wanted to use her name on their project (which is doubtless the only reason they brought him on board). She smells a rat and refuses. She is forcibly confronted with the fact that she cannot trust her own son and aside from his occasional need to use her for his own financial advantage, they have no relationship (I guess it is hard to avoid feeling like an underachiever if you are the son of a president. Especially when you go through life trading on your last name the way I suspect Tess's son has. I loved the disappointment welling up in Tess's face as her son continued his obviously planned pitch. He had only come because he wanted something. She knew some scam, some manipulation was coming.).

In the bar with Chesnic, Tess acknowledges that she hasn't been much of a mother and because of this she is all alone. She asks Doug about himself, gently bringing up a very brief marriage on his file.

He simply, sadly says, "Everybody but me could see what she was really like."

You conjure up a vista of someone who is a guardian, a protector, trying to be a knight in shining armor to someone who had no wish to be saved. These characters have such depth that in one line you see a whole other very plausible side to his character; a disastrous love life driven by his need to find basket cases to 'save'. Both Tess and Doug have failed, made mistakes at the fundamental relationships of their lives and their loneliness pulls them together.

It is pleasant to see Nicholas Cage understated.

Their Chemistry Truly Makes the Movie

[TwistedContent · 6/10 · 21 February 2021]

As I'm choosing which is going to be the 53rd Nicolas Cage romp for me to see, I'm thinking old-school throwback comedies just can't go wrong... And, surely enough, they don't. "Guarding Tess" is a dramedy with a good, solid heart that lies in the unprecedented chemistry between Nicolas Cage and Shirley MacLaine. A well familiar tale with some peculiar oddities, and an uneven nature.

Shirley MacLaine plays Tess Carlisle, a former U.S. First Lady, and as such, she has bodyguards, the leader of whom has been Secret Service agent Doug Chesnic (Nicolas Cage). Doug's assignment is finally over, and he can't wait to get back to more action, but Tess knows exactly who she wants beside her, even though she can't stand him...

Ain't the first, or the last, time when two marginally different souls get put together, fight through the differences, learn to respect and love each other. "Guarding Tess" is a story like that, and not the worst example. Hugh Wilson directs and uneven script, that's saved again and again by the top notch main performances. Nicolas Cage has found ground, stable ground, and offers up a cool, content, serious, yet amusing performance, and on the other side is veteran actress Shirley MacLaine, ranging Tess from a witching meanie to a sweet old lady, and being in absolute sync with Cage. The pretty straight-forward script doesn't provide a lot laughs, amusement might be a better word for it, and the film eventually takes an odd direction. Rather than to continue being what it is, a clever and sweet, soft comedy that relies on its characters, "Guarding Tess" almost becomes a thriller nearing the end, showing that the idea sort of had no way to go. Nonetheless, it all ends with a warm smile, and ultimately "Guarding Tess" is a very likeable film, where the performances do more than enough to carry the spirit successfully, although the two titans didn't leave a lot of room for the rather commendable supporting cast, including Austin Pendleton and Richard Griffiths.

Perhaps a little watery, inconsistent and mighty straight-forward, but a rightful tale, and hearty amusement, for any age, any soul, plus Cage simply doesn't fail. My rating: 6/10.

OK comedy drama

[xredgarnetx · 6/10 · 13 May 2007]

GUARDING TESS takes a crochety, ailing, widowed former First Lady (MacClaine) and one very reluctant Secret Service agent (Cage) and pairs them on a path that spells almost certain doom for one of them. She can't get along with anyone, including her grown son who ignores her. And Cage just can't get along with her. Naturally, over time, they form a strong bond. Then the unexpected happens. Their world is turned upside down when she is kidnapped. The movie shifts into high melodrama at this point and never lets up until the end. The music begins to thunder down on us, Cage badly overacts, mostly yelling and bellowing, and the film almost goes off the rails. Austin Pendleton hams it up as the First Lady's neurotic driver, and frankly he's not very good in this one. A mostly entertaining little movie that soon enough gets too big for its britches. See it and decide for yourself.

Decent, not outstanding

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 25 November 2015]

I know that when most movies start (or for that matter, most books), it takes time to "set things up". But honestly, this film is downright boring for almost the first half. After all, we all know where this film is going...at least generally; either there will be an assassination plot against her or a kidnapping, or some life-threatening event.

Once we reach that point, then things get darned interesting. Although with more time for this part of the film, it could have been done much more nicely. The sentimentality was crucial to the film, but more time should have been given to the action; there could have been a better balance.

Can I believe Nicholas Cage as a secret service agent? Yes. Can I believe Shirley MacLaine as a feisty First Lady? Yes. Both of these two main actors do very nicely here.

The slightly creepy Austin Pendleton is so good here, as he almost always was. You kinda know he's a suspect, and he plays it perfectly. Edward Albert seems rather superfluous here.

The other supporting actors all do well here, although none stand out.

It's a decent film, but not outstanding. But Shirley MacLaine is a joy and a treasure.

Difficult to watch.

[wkozak221 · 3/10 · 7 February 2021]

I watched this movie. It tries very hard to be likeable. IMO it fails. The primary cast is annoying. Especially, Shirley. Why did this First Lady want Secret Service protection? He gives everybody grief. Should have tried harder.

Unusual theme, unusual relationship, brilliantly done

[roghache · 8/10 · 8 March 2006]

This is an unexpected pearl of a movie. Neither of the two stars, Shirley MacLaine or Nicholas Cage, are normally high on my list of favorites, but they pull off this odd ball relationship to perfection. There's chemistry here, just not in the usual sense of the word! It's a plot idea unlike any I've previously encountered...

Doug (Nicholas Cage) is a Secret Service man assigned the dubious honor of "guarding Tess" Carlisle (Shirley MacLaine), the feisty, aging, crotchety widow of a former American President and friend to the current President (who owes her favors and she doesn't let him forget it!). Nothing Doug does pleases Tess; nothing ANYONE does pleases Tess. Yet, she has an obvious underlying affection for her Secret Service guard, the only agent she'll in fact tolerate, who most of the time wishes he had just about any other job. Tess's own son totally neglects her and she's a lonely lady, caught up in old memories of her past White House days, when she and her husband were objects of great respect, affection, and attention. Tess is a cantankerous character now (of course Shirley MacLaine's a natural for the part!) but altogether sympathetic. I won't give away the story but Doug has his work cut out for him, and not just putting up with her moods, whims, and assorted outrages. The plot thickens and drama awaits...

There's action and adventure but the movie is much more character driven than plot driven. It's a treat to watch the unfolding relationship between this unlikely pair. Whether it's a realistic scenario or not, it makes for an entertaining, amusing, and touching movie you're bound to enjoy.

Great Entertaining Film

[whpratt1 · 6/10 · 9 December 2007]

Nicolas Cage, (Doug Chesnic) plays the role of a Secret Service Agent and is assigned to protecting a former First Lady, Tess Carlisle, (Shirley MacLaine) who is a very difficult First Lady to protect and is stubborn about who protects her and she simply does not like Doug Cbesnic but for some reason considers him like her son. Tess's son has nothing to do with his mother and Tess seems to take things out on her Secret Agent Doug, treating him like her son. No one seems to be able to please Tess and there are plenty of comedy and great chemistry that exists between Nicolas Cage and Shirley MacLaine and this makes the film a great success. Enjoy.

Weak storyline

[davispittman · 3/10 · 5 April 2017]

Guarding Tess is a pretty weak film overall despite it's A list cast. Even though good actors like Shirley MacLaine and Nicholas Cage drive the movie, it still falls flat because of its weak storyline and weak script. The acting is alright, Cage does a fair job with his role, I've seen better from him, but it's definitely not his worst. Shirley MacLaine is actually fairly good in her starring role, has the persona/attitude down pretty well. The storyline and script is what fails with this film. The storyline just simply doesn't live up to great comedy or being in the least bit entertaining. And if a the lackluster plot isn't enough to make this one fail all together, it's the poorly written script, the very weak dialogue between the characters throughout the film. The script is supposed to be funny, to provide amusing lines and situations where the audience would at least get a chuckle out of what's happening on screen, but we as the audience never really get that. It's a shame too, because I think this film had some real potential, but it ultimately is just a very forgettable movie. Even A-list Hollywood actors sometimes can't save a movie like this..... Guarding Tess gets a 3 out of 10.

A delightful movie with outstanding performances

[rustydog · 8/10 · 3 August 2006]

This perfect little gem of a movie deserves watching. With such a wonderful cast and such a great script, if this movie has any fault at all, it is under-appreciation. Shirley and Nick play off each other like the pros they are. The photography is on cue, the pace is keen and the underlying message of learning to love and care for what you have instead of squandering your energies on unrealistic ambitions is heart-warming. Among the many great moments are the calls from the President, Tess's temper tantrums, the scene at the opera, the "stand-off" in the car, and Tess's last scene from the hospital. I don't think this submission contains spoilers, but if they are, they're harmless. Please, please see this film.

He refuses to take her guff, and she loves it!

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 1 December 2015]

Guarding the President of the United States is tough enough, but taking on a widowed former first lady can be shear hell on earth. Nicolas Cage gives one of his most vibrant performances as a special agent with the worst assignment possible: protecting Shirley MacLaine! Continuing her string of grumpy old women, it's gotten to the point to audiences don't know who the real MacLaine really is. Some eccentric student of the metaphysical or the grouchiest woman outside of Cinderella's step-mother. Certainty, ever since "Terms of Endearment", her characters have just gone from slightly cranky and cynical to downright mean. Sometimes, her characters just seem to get a huge thrill out of their nastiness.

Tess Carlisle is one tough cookie who could give Nancy Reagan a run for her money. Through her influence, Nicolas Cage is not permitted to leave her, and the questions arise is to just why she won't let him leave. It's obvious that he simply can't stand her and she certainly doesn't treat him with respect. So on his second term with her is a change for them as everything comes out to evaluate the truth behind her obsession with him.

Like the hysterical calls Ethel Merman took from Harry Truman in "Call Me Madam", this has the recurring gag of Cage getting calls from the unseen president complaining about calls he got from Tess. While we didn't hear Harry (only Merman), we do get to hear the President's voice, hysterically pretentious in the voice-over of Hugh Wilson. A huge cast of veteran character actors support Cage and MacLaine most expertly, especially Richard Griffith's as her cook and Austin Pendleton as her chauffeur. Edward Albety has a small role as MacLaine's son.

It takes a while but eventually, Cage does begin to see MacLaine as more than just the nasty witch she comes off as. She is a woman scared of her situation and troubled by being put out to pasture outside of the political arena. MacLaine slowly comes around too, and a touching bond is formed. As they get to know each other, she becomes a lot more compassionate to the others on her staff and learning to have fun again.

This isn't a film of great shakes but in character driven terms, it really works well. You have to just have some patience in dealing with MacLaine's over-the-top meanness. It is not clear that she is based upon any of the former first ladies who were still living at the time although Jacqueline and Nancy are mentioned. Perhaps one day we'll see "Guarding Hilary", but in the meantime, we'll have to settle for a fictional one.

Guarding Tess

[jboothmillard · 4/10 · 10 March 2014]

I read that this was a political themed comedy, the title certainly gave you an idea what it involved, and I was told it was a reasonably good watch, with average critic ratings as well, so I gave it a go, from director Hugh Wilson (Police Academy, The First Wives Club, Blast from the Past). Basically Doug Chesnic (Nicolas Cage) is a Secret Service Agent who works to protect the former First Lady and widow to the former President of the United States, Tess Carlisle (Golden Globe nominated Shirley MacLaine), it is a job he does not enjoy however, because he loathes the way she treats him. Tess treats Doug as more of a servant than a member of security, unlike her real assistant staff like chauffeur Earl Fowler (Austin Pendleton) and nurse Frederick (Richard Griffiths), she asks him to the simplest and most demeaning of tasks, and whenever he complains she calls the current President and he phones him in annoyance, and he can't seem to get away from her as she reassigns him after three years. But Tess during a hospital visit watches the footage of her late husband's funeral, and she notices Doug in the footage, she grieves for a long while, and as she recovers she tries to make more of an effort towards her head of security, and there is also a kidnap threat where he becomes highly concerned for her, so in the end Tess and Doug are much better toward each other. Also starring Edward Albert as Barry Carlisle, Independence Day's James Rebhorn as Howard Schaeffer, John Roselius as Tom Bahlor, David Graf as Lee Danielson, Don Yesso as Ralph Buoncristiani and James Lally as Joe Spector. Cage is relatively good being the annoyed bodyguard, but obviously the key role and the big reason for this film being mildly memorable is indeed MacLaine, the problem is though that her performance is so close to realistic that the film isn't all that funny, I didn't laugh that much to be honest, I found it annoying, predictable in places, cringing for the wrong reasons, and overall just a bit dull, not my kind of comedy. Okay!

Nick Cage and Shirley MacLaine make this an enjoyable little movie.

[TxMike · 7 December 2000]

Somehow I had never gotten around to seeing "Guarding Tess" but did so this week on broadcast TV. It starts with Nick Cage, playing a "by the book" Special Agent assigned to guard former first lady, Tess, ending his "tour of duty" and returning to D.C. Upon arrival he is informed that the president has personally requested that Cage return to Tess for another 3 years, because "she likes him." His choices were that, or be assigned to "guard the president's dog!" So he went back, to rural Ohio, combatant and bitter, because the old lady, whose husband had died of a heart attack, was very difficult to get along with. Turns out she also had inoperable brain tumor which only her doctors know about, which complicated her demeanor.

The last 3/4 of the film deals first with their relationship, which gradually improves to the point where the two of them actually go to a bar and have drinks. Turns out that Nick's character represents the son she never had. Oh, she had a son, but he only shows up for one scene (Edward Albert) where he tries to get her to endorse a retirement development he is working on, and she refuses, simply saying "no." It was clear they had no relationship.

Some drama is introduced when Tess' driver along with his sister and her husband plot to kidnap Tess and demand $15million, taking hew away as Nick retrieved a folding chair at the lake after an outing with Tess. Cig lighter burns on the driver's neck provides the clue for Nick to solve the crime, and they retrieve her 6 feet under with a 4-inch PVC pipe breathing tube. They apparently had no plan to free her, so Nick actually saved her life.

Most of the film was obviously humorous, and was fun as such. The serious ending didn't quite fit. However, watching the good acting by Nick Cage, and his interaction with "Tess", make this a very watchable movie. I rate it "7" of 10. Shirley MacLaine gives her usual solid performance, essentially the same character she plays in all her movies.

Independence is not always independence

[The-Sarkologist · 7/10 · 22 July 2012]

Having just read a section of the book Camera Politica, the idea of reaction against feminism has been on my mind. Some of the movies of the early eighties was much a reaction against feminism and the rebuilding of the patriarchal society. Guarding Tess is a movie that falls into this category, though it was released in the early 90's. Guarding Tess is a reaction to is the woman's desire for individuality.

Guarding Tess is about a former first lady Tess Carlyse (Shirley McClaine) and a secret service agent (Nicholas Cage). The agent finishes his duty looking after Tess and returns to Washington but is pulled back straight away because Tess trusts him. Tess is a very strong willed, dominant woman that does not like people pushing her around. She has mostly male servants and secret service agents, and likes to try and break away from their watching every so often. Tess is portrayed as a typical feminist who wants to be independent of male support.

Tess' character goes deeper though for she also takes the role of the dominant gender. She is not happy unless she dominates the male sex, such as the seven secret service agents in her employ. The President, who sounds like a cowboy, is also very much dominated by her, and we see from the couple of phone calls she has with him (actually only one at the end) that she has him under her control.

This movie though goes to undermine this dominance of the female to show the need for the woman to rely upon the male. Tess is not only dying of a brain tumor, but she is placed in a position of helplessness that without her secret service agent, she would die. She is a very strong woman, but she needs a male to survive. This is played out in the kidnap scene, where Cage digs her out of her grave.

Tess treats Cage like a son. This becomes apparent when we meet her son, an ambitious, but failing, real estate salesperson. He comes to visit her but only to try and win her support on a development program. We realise that what Tess really wants is a relationship, one of equals and friendship rather than business associates.

In some ways this is a relationship movie, and the theme music reveals this. The break in the relationship caused by the kidnapping is a sorrowful part of the movie, not an exciting part. It is about relationships and dependence. It is a lash at feminism to say that even if the male cannot do anything else, we need them for companionship for that is the fundamental aspect of our nature: relationship.

Appealing Story With Only One Fault

[ccthemovieman-1 · 6/10 · 3 April 2007]

This was an entertaining film ruined only by one thing. It was a light-hearted comedy without a lot of big laughs but a lot of little ones and had a pleasing overall feel to it.

There is a definite appeal to this film because of the mixture of drama, comedy and sentimentality. The heartwarming finish to it didn't hurt, either.

The only thing that didn't fit with this otherwise-nice story of a Secret Service agent ("Doug Chesnic," played by Nicholas Cage) reluctantly guarding a former First Lady ("Tess Carlisle," played by Shirley MacLaine) was the language. A dozen uses of the Lord's name in vain really had no place in a a sweet, touching drama/comedy like this. The by-play between the reserved agent and the feisty older woman was very funny at times. This was one of MacLaine's better roles.

Sit back and enjoy

[jml1000 · 7/10 · 10 February 2006]

OK, this is no Oscar winner. However, I enjoyed the easy going pace and the lack of malice. Think about the flaws you have reflected in this film and remember to be a little more tolerant of others in the future! I think this is well worth watching when you need a good night in with a bottle and a special companion. *hic*

Gawd, I need more lines to make it to your screen, so here goes:

Ms McLaine has a good time giving Mr Cage a hard time. They are both much too fond of each other to admit to it and much of the film plays on this. You may keep guessing what comes next as you glide through the film but once hooked you won't turn over.

So, as I summarised, sit back and let the feel-good factor wash over you. The supermarket scene is rather fun...

Forgettable drama

[Floated2 · 2/10 · 12 August 2019]

Guarding Tess is a relatively slow and uninteresting comedy/drama. Based upon the amount of total votes and reviews in IMDB, this film is relatively one of Nicolas Cage's lesser known films, and for good reasons. He plays his role well but overall nothing completely stands out. The plot is basic, with little drama or comedy.

What makes film uninteresting is the lack of any thrills (save the ending), and the character of Tess is far unlikable, where we get to the point of wondering as to why we should care about the character. The ending was somewhat of a cop out and was obvious since they were going for a happy ending.

A good, old-fashioned comedy

[dho-2 · 9/10 · 17 January 1999]

Guarding Tess is a film that relies on character and dialogue for its impact rather than flashy special effects or frenetic action. The humour is subtle rather than sledge-hammer, a rare achievement for a modern comedy.

The interaction between the eponymous Tess (Shirley MacLaine) and her chief minder (Nicholas Cage)is well scripted and beautifully played. There are also some fine supporting performances from the likes of Richard Griffiths.

Well worth investing 90 minutes of your time to watch.

Speaks to the universal human yearning for someone to watch over us.

[punch87 · 6/10 · 18 April 2019]

There are lots of laughs in this picture, and though at one point he teeters perilously on the brink of mush and gush, Wilson manages to regain his gently caustic comic footing.

just don't like the characters

[SnoopyStyle · 4/10 · 28 September 2016]

Secret service agent Doug Chesnic (Nicolas Cage) is tired of guarding widower former First Lady Tess Carlisle (Shirley MacLaine). She makes him essentially a domestic servant. After his three years stint, he is happy to move on from what he considers the worst assignment in the service, but she uses her influence on the current President to keep him on her detail. Earl Fowler (Austin Pendleton) is the driver and Frederick (Richard Griffiths) is her nurse.

Shirley MacLaine's dragonlady is not fun, or funny, or even likable. Nicolas Cage isn't that likable either. He's all bitter. I can see the concept but the execution is problematic because I don't like these characters. It's necessary for a comedy to either like the characters or like to laugh at the characters. I feel for Cage suffocating under her but not enough to like him either. The second half does work better as a thriller although it's hard to get invested after not liking the first half.

Likable Film!

[g-bodyl · 8/10 · 24 July 2013]

Guarding Tess is a light, likable film that has good intentions and is easily entertaining. However, it is pretty forgettable and this film has similar themes and plot points as the much better film, Driving Miss Daisy. Both films are about a younger guy and an older woman going at it with each other before their relationship improved. But all in all, this is a good, light-hearted film.

Hugh Wilson's film is about a Special Agent Douglas who has been trained for the very best. Instead, he is assigned to keep watch over former First Lady Tess Carlisle. We realize that these two people have nothing in common and is very hard to get along.

The acting is solid. Shirley MacLaine is one of Hollywood's best and rumor has it that this role is very similar to her real-life persona. But, she was magnificent here. Nicolas Cage is also good and his role is very restrained for once. There are other wonderful 90's character actors that take up the screen including Richard Griffiths and James Rebhorn.

Overall, this is a delightful, mild-mannered film about two people with nothing in common defying odds so that they begin to respect each other. This is labeled as a comedy, but I can't see why. I hardly laughed, but this works very well as a drama. This film reminds me greatly of Driving Miss Daisy and I think that's a good thing. I rate this film 8/10.

Old battleaxe first lady

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 1 September 2019]

Presidential widow Shirley MacLaine may be a national treasure according to the current president in Guarding Tess. But to those like Nicholas Cage charged with her safety she is one imperious pain in the butt. She runs Cage and the rest of her Secret Service team ragged with some rather stupid stunts.

Cage was looking forward to a promotion out of her detail, but she requests that he stay. Not that she gives up her demanding ways in fact she increases them. Probably thinks a new team won't put up with it.

As we learn more about both MacLaine and Cage in the course of the film we get some idea of what turned her into such a pill. In the end Cage's own personal knowledge of MacLaine resolves a really big crisis and saves his own job.

MacLaine and Cage play beautifully off each other in Guarding Tess. It works so well because of her neglect by her own son Edward Albert. We see him with MacLaine trying to get her in on one of his business schemes. The look she gives when she says no is unforgettable. Cage is more like what she would have liked to have raised.

I'm thinking this portrayal is based on Bess Truman in her widowhood years who was reported to get cantankerous with age. She lived to be 97 our oldest first lady.

Anyway good story with some really fine acting to put it over.

Not original, and still unsure of opinion.

[katlb97 · 1/10 · 8 September 2001]

I am still uncertain about how I feel about this movie. It is pretty good, except that watching it sometimes gets very annoying. Some of the dialogues aren't as much funny as painful to watch. I feel for Cage's character while wishing the movie would just end. So, after watching it all the way through once, I have decided not to watch it more than 5 times. I have time to spend on other movies than one that just is annoying to watch.